The last 10 nights of Ramadan are believed to be the most important opportunities for worship during the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.

It is believed that the first revelation of the Holy Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during the final 10 nights of Ramadan in 610 AD. The exact night of the relevation isn’t known, but it is most commonly believed to be on 27^th night. This is called ‘Laylat al-Qadr’ or the ‘Night of Power’.

Muslims all over the world follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad, by spending the last 10 nights of Ramadan awake late into the night, worshipping Allah by praying and reading the Qu’ran, whether at home or in their local mosque.

Muslims believe that Laylat al-Qadr is the best time to ask for forgiveness, although staying up late and worshiping during the other 9 final nights of Ramadan is understood to bring immense spiritual rewards.

The Prophet said: “Whoever stays up and prays on Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”

We’ve put together some practical tips for the last 10 nights, to ensure that our Muslim readers receive great blessings during this holy time.

1. If you don’t feel as though you’ve given your best so far in Ramadan, don’t despair! The last 10 nights are still your opportunity to receive forgiveness and greater spiritual rewards. Approach this time with commitment and positivity.
2. Put the effort in throughout each of the 10 final nights of Ramadan. Don’t wait until the 27^th night to give it your all!
3. Du’a is a prayer of supplication, where Muslims have the opportunity to ask Allah for the things they need. Why not prepare a short du’a list so you know exactly what you want to ask for, not just for yourself and your family, but for people around the world who are experiencing suffering and hardship.
4. Get your family involved. For the late nights of prayers, don’t forget to wake up your partner and parents to remind them to take part. Even children can stay up a little later on the last 10 nights.
5. Stay well-rested during the day. Taking short naps is a great idea as it will leave you energised for the nights of worship.
6. Worship Allah looking your best. How we present ourselves has a significant psychological effect, so wear something you feel smart and confident in.
7. Prepare the place where you intend to pray, whether at the mosque or in your home, to ensure that you have everything you need with you. Distractions can easily break your concentration.
8. Mix it up! If you find yourself becoming tired, why not vary your acts to worship? If you’re reading the Qur’an, instead present a du’a to Allah or listen to a lecture from an Islamic scholar.
9. These nights of worship aren’t the time to be updating your social media accounts and telling your friends how spiritual you feel. This holy experience is between you and Allah, so turn off your phone and laptop if you can!
10. Although the last 10 days of Ramadan might be tiring, try to stay focussed. Renew your intentions, remember how great the blessings and spiritual rewards are on these 10 holy nights, and think of the forgiveness you will receive on Laylat al-Qadr (the ‘Night of Power’). Trust Allah and don’t let any doubt or selfish thought sully your mind during your worship.

Bonus tip: Don’t forget to recite the dua of Laylat al-Qadr. It’s the best dua of the final 10 nights of Ramadan: “Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun, tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni (O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me).” [At-Tirmidhi].